Man gets 6 years in prison for leading police on 2 chases

A Marlboro Township man who fled from police twice is going to prison for six years.

Shane Hoover

A Marlboro Township man who twice led police on high-speed chases is going to prison for six years.

Jeffrey C. Austin, 49, of 6416 Smith-Kramer St. NE, pleaded guilty Friday to several felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from both pursuits, including assault, failure to comply with an order or signal of a police officer and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Lee Sinclair suspended Austin’s driver’s license for life.

The first chase happened July 16. Police tried to stop Austin in downtown Canton after he left the scene of an accident at Fifth Street and Cleveland Avenue NW, according to a police report.

Austin fled north in his Chevy pickup, hitting approximately 75 mph on Market Avenue N. Police called off the pursuit at 44th Street but continued to tail Austin, who had slowed to a normal speed, according to the report.

At Market Avenue and Easton Street NE, police boxed in Austin’s truck. An officer saw Austin point what appeared to be a gun at another officer and in response fired a round that passed through the open windows of Austin’s truck and struck a nearby BP gas station, according to the police report.

During his arrest, Austin hit an officer in the head with a partially consumed bottle of beer, according to the report.

Per its policy, the department is reviewing whether the officer’s firing of the gun was appropriate, said Capt. David Kurzinsky.

Austin went to jail but was later released on bond. He led police on a second chase on Aug. 22.

Austin hit 100 mph during that pursuit and wrecked his vehicle just outside the city limits on Georgetown Street NE after police discontinued the chase, said Assistant Stark County Prosecutor Joseph Vance.